Some years ago, my family gathered in the North Carolina mountains for a Reunion. Great excitement. We enjoy each other’s company. When the hugs and telling each other how wonderful we looked were over, I made an announcement to the Clan.
Here are the rules of the Reunion said the spoiler. “There will be no talking about aches and pains, operations, creaky knees or medical appointments.” Shock. My brother Jim said …What are we going to talk about?’ We all laughed.
We agreed that with age – along with the promised wisdom - come less-welcome reminders the clock is ticking. How will we handle the reminders? A question worthy of serious family discussion.
In this morning’s New York Times, a columnist offers an observation on aging. His words are more elegant. His conclusion mirrors what we decided would be our family watchword going forward. He says: I can be sad and angry about time’s toll, and rue what has been lost. Or I can work with what remains.
It was a memorable Reunion. Our numbers have dwindled. Our promise to ourselves and each other has stayed intact. Work with what remains.
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